Why Did Whitney Houston Sing "I Will Always Love You"? A Tale of Love, Loss, and a Little Bit of Hollywood Magic
So, you’ve heard “I Will Always Love You” a million times. It’s that song that makes you want to belt out in the shower, even if you sound like a dying cat. But have you ever wondered why Whitney Houston, with her voice that could melt butter, decided to cover this classic Dolly Parton tune? Let's dive in!
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| Why Did Whitney Houston Sing I Will Always Love You |
Dolly Parton: The Original Heartbreak Queen
Before Whitney owned that power ballad, it was Dolly Parton who penned the original. Now, Dolly’s voice is as unique as her hair, but let’s be honest, it’s not quite Whitney-level powerhouse. But the emotion in Dolly’s version is raw and real. She wrote it about breaking up with her long-time duet partner, Porter Wagoner. Ouch.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Enter Kevin Costner, the Matchmaker
Fast forward to the early 90s. Whitney Houston is on top of the world. She’s got the voice, the looks, and the world at her feet. Then comes Kevin Costner, offering her the lead role in a little movie called "The Bodyguard". He needed a showstopping ballad for the climax, and he thought, "You know what would be perfect? That Dolly Parton song."
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Whitney was initially hesitant. She wanted to do a cover of Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted". But Kevin was persistent. He even played Linda Ronstadt's version for her. And boom! The rest is history.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
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Whitney's Magic Touch
Whitney took that already amazing song and turned it into a stratospheric anthem. Her vocal range, combined with the song's emotional depth, created a perfect storm of musical magic. The result? A song that has become synonymous with love, loss, and everything in between.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Fun fact: Did you know that Elvis Presley wanted to cover "I Will Always Love You"? He even offered Dolly half the publishing rights! But she wisely declined. Can you imagine Elvis singing this song? It would have been epic, but would it have been Whitney epic? We'll never know.
How to Appreciate "I Will Always Love You" Even More
Now that you know the backstory, let's up your appreciation game:
- How to sing it like Whitney: Sorry, but this is impossible. Just enjoy her version.
- How to find the Dolly Parton original: It's a hidden gem. Trust us, it's worth the listen.
- How to use it in a karaoke battle: Bold move. Good luck!
- How to appreciate the song's emotional depth: Close your eyes, let the music wash over you, and feel the feels.
- How to avoid crying when you hear it: Good luck with that one too. Tissues at the ready!
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